There is No Cussing in Latin

Most days, I say my rosary in Latin.

I have always loved this ancient language from the time I’ve been in high school and had a little nun named Sister Mary Hope teach me  four years of wonderful Latin.  During 3rd and 4th year Latin, I was one of two students.  I’m surprised that Judy and I were allowed to actually take the class for credit and Sister Mary Hope was allowed to teach it.  I earned translation awards, one on a National Level when I was a senior.  Needless to say, I was a Latinphile; have been for my whole life.

I can put on a CD of the monks singing Latin hymns in Gregorian Chant and I can sing along with these angelic choirs, actually knowing what I’m singing.  (I love me some Gregorian chant, too.  However, that’s another blog post.)

I think it goes without saying that I prefer my Mass parts in Latin and would really prefer the Tridentine Mass every Sunday.  In all of North Georgia it is only available at one Catholic Church.  This is what our archbishop thinks is making it readily available to those of us who want it.  So much for Summorum Pontificum in this Archdiocese!  (Again, that’s another blog post.)

Okay, so why do I try to pray in Latin?  Because I have never heard a “potty-mouth” use it to curse or swear or utter a profanity.  American English has been polluted with all manner of foulness, and I just don’t want to pray in a language that I think has been debased.  I’m not judging or demeaning anyone’s prayers whatever the language.  I’m just sharing my preference and one of the reasons why I prefer Latin prayers, Latin Masses, and Latin hymns.

I do believe that a language can either lift our minds, hearts, and souls to God or it can fall short.  For me, Latin does the trick.  And, it really is not that hard.  JMJ